Methods and apparatus for detecting the presence of undesirable foreign matter in a region between a wireless power transmission apparatus and a power reception apparatus are described. First and second detection methods, based on different detection schemes, may be used to detect and distinguish the presence of foreign matter from misalignment during power transfer operation. A first detection method may be used before power is transferred to a load in a power reception apparatus, and a second detection method may be used while power is supplied to the load.